Evangelical Feminism

Evangelical Feminism: A New Path to Liberalism?
By: Wayne A. Grudem

This is a book that will no doubt result in polarizing reviews. People reading this book are most likely coming to it with their belief already established, and thus, will either like this book or reject it.

However, I believe, wherever you fall on the issue, this is a highly valuable read. It is widely undisputed that Wayne Grudem is highly regarded as a Bible scholar and highly qualified to teach on Bible doctrine, theology, and interpretation. If you disagree with him, he provides a detailed bibliography- go study it for yourself and evaluate its credibility.

In this book, Grudem sets out to unpack the arguments presented and published in support of evangelical feminism— what Grudem defines as “a movement that claims there are no unique leadership roles for men in marriage or in the church.” I can’t cover all of the material in a short review but here are my overall thoughts.

My stance on this issue was formed before I read this book, however, it was mostly based on how I was raised, both in family and in church. I had never had to defend my stance and because I have never felt called into ministry as a woman, I have also never had to feel challenged in accepting my belief of complementarianism.

I found it very helpful to learn how egalitarians approach certain Scripture passages. I can understand both sides of this issue now, and feel more informed on how to defend my belief and what questions to ask of those who disagree.

Grudem’s ultimate premise and conclusion of this book could be summarized by his quote: “I am not saying that all egalitarians are liberals, or are moving toward liberalism. But I am saying that the arguments used by egalitarians actually undermine the authority of Scripture again and again, and in so doing they are leading the church step by step toward liberalism.” I think this was an important quote to add to address others’ concerns that Grudem writes this book without grace or to demonize egalitarianism. Those claims are simply not true.

Even when presenting faulty arguments of well-known professors or scholars, Grudem points out when he knows those people are upholding other conservative theological stances. He does not make generalizations or unfair statements. He also calls on those who oppose egalitarianism to do so with gentleness and compassion.

If the ‘grace’ you are looking for in this book means allowing people to do whatever they want because it feels right or sounds good or out of ‘love’ then, no, you won’t find that here. Because that’s not biblical grace. I commend Grudem for publicly standing against that which undermines Scripture. As believers, we are not showing love if we idly stand by while professing Christians are disobeying, twisting, or nullifying the very words of God. This is not a soft book, but it’s not a harsh or demonizing book either.

I would also like to challenge that Grudem is not promoting a ‘fear of liberalism.’ What he is fighting against and urging others to reject is theological liberalism as defined as: “a system of thinking that denies the complete truthfulness of the Bible as the Word of God and denies the unique and absolute authority of the Bible in our lives.”

If you truly study the methods of interpretation that egalitarians use, you will find that they are, as Grudem argues, close to, if not already, implementing liberal ideology which goes against what the Bible claims for itself- absolute truth and authority. And the urgency in which he writes, is thus, well-grounded because without the ultimate authority and truthfulness of Scripture, what do you have?

One way this book has affected my thinking is realizing the depth and gravity of this issue. It’s not just a simple challenge of ‘Well, if a woman is gifted and called to be a pastor, why can’t she do so?’ When we get the answer to this question wrong, the very authority of Scripture and God’s Word in our lives is at stake. And like Grudem says in every chapter, if we were to apply the methods of interpretation posed by most egalitarians to other parts of Scripture, we would be doing what Scripture specifically warns against- “You shall not add to the word which I am commanding you, nor take away from it.” (Deut 4:2).

With every argument discussed, Grudem makes convincing objections to the egalitarian interpretations. He provides a solid bibliography and rightfully upholds the authority and inerrancy of Scripture. It is quite disturbing how many egalitarian interpretations are presented as facts without any legitimate sources and with no disclaimer on alternative points of view.

When scholars (complementarian and egalitarian alike) are writing books, they have access to a lot of manuscripts and research that we, as readers, do not. We rely on their skills and knowledge to inform us on things we are not qualified to study to the extent that they are. It is irresponsible to present theories or interpretations as facts without sufficient scholarly evidence or disclaimers to the contrary.

As a woman, I support this book and understand that God’s design for women’s roles in marriage and in the church are not based on God viewing men as more capable, more intelligent, or more stable than women— nowhere does Scripture support that— but it is a very reflection of the Trinity itself- the Son, Spirit, and Father having differences in roles but equality in being.

God’s view of women is very high and we still have a very valuable role in ministry (after all- how much of the population is made up of women and children who need to be ministered to?!)

This is how God designed it and laid it out in Scripture and if we believe that God’s Word is inerrant and authoritative truth, we must accept his design even if it feels uncomfortable. We cannot allow feelings, experiences, church tradition, culture, prophecies outside of Scripture, or circumstances to supersede the authority of the Bible.

He poses two questions we all should ponder- “Is the authority of the Bible really primary for egalitarians? Or is there a deep-seated mentality that actually puts feminism first and the Bible second?”

Whether you identify as complementarian or egalitarian, let this book challenge you.

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